Steinbach and Niverville firefighters joined forces Tuesday evening to practice using a ladder truck.

Niverville firefighters enjoying their ladder training (Photo credit: Keith Bueckert)Niverville Fire Chief Keith Bueckert notes that while the town does have five buildings with floors inaccessible by ground ladder, the department does not have its own ladder truck. He adds that after a three-story wooden structure in Winnipeg was claimed by a recent fire, he felt some training with Steinbach’s truck was important.

“So we took it upon ourselves to ask Steinbach to come out so we can make sure we know how to position the truck for either a rescue or a fire attack situation should we actually have to use it,” says Bueckert.

Because Steinbach is not part of mutual aid with Niverville, Bueckert explains, the two fire departments came up with an agreement: if ever one of the taller buildings in Niverville needs firefighter attention, their crews are allowed to borrow Steinbach’s truck.

“It was a good pre-planning session,” comments Bueckert, “And it was great to work with the Steinbach crews. We all learned a lot.” Though Bueckert hopes to never seriously use Steinbach’s truck, he says it is good to have the option should the need present itself.